MOVE OVER 'SIDEWAYS'
UH OFFERS NEW WINE CLASS

Kevin Simon readily admits that a new lecture will not be as entertaining as “Sideways,” the movie that follows the adventures of two friends touring Santa Barbara’s wine country.

The class, however, will provide the campus community with an opportunity to learn more about the ancient beverage and to taste some great wines, according to Simon, director of the University of Houston Fred Parks Wine Cellar.

The Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) will present the class Wine 101: An Introduction to Fine Wines geared to faculty, staff and students over 21 years old from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20 at the Hilton University of Houston Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The class, which is free, will include an overview of the different types of wines, how wine is made and wine-tasting techniques. Participants will taste three white wines — riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay — and three red wines — pinot noir, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

“We really want to reach out to the university community, specifically to those who are not wine connoisseurs but who are interested in learning about wine,” Simon explained. He added that the general public also is invited.

Simon likens appreciating fine wine to understanding music.

“When we first heard music as children, we heard the melody; but as we aged, we learned to detect the different instruments — whether it was a viola or violin in a symphony or drums and bass in rock –n- roll,” he said. “We began to value the sum of its parts, not just the melody. That’s like wine. Without understanding the nuances of wine, you taste just the melody.”

Simon will lead the class, which is the third event in the Fred Parks Lecture Series. A $10,000 grant from the Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation funds the series.

“Americans are becoming more interested in wine due, in part, to news stories about studies detailing the health benefits of moderate wine drinking,” Simon said. “Additionally, the movie “Sideways” gave the industry a major boost in sales and increased awareness.”

Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Visit www.hrm.uh.edu/rsvp to make reservations. For more information, call 713-743-2459. Attendees must be at least 21 years old to attend, and a government ID, such as a driver’s license, must be presented. The Cougar 1Card will not be accepted.

Francine Parker
fparker@uh.edu